A system includes a motor and a motor controller coupled to the motor. The motor controller includes a current sense circuit configured to: receive a first phase current sense measurement on a first measurement path; receive the first phase current sense measurement on a second measurement path; receive a second phase current measurement on the first measurement path; receive the second phase current on the second measurement path; average the first phase current sense measurement on the first measurement path with the first phase current sense measurement on the second path; and average the second phase current sense measurement on the first measurement path with the second phase current sense measurement on the second path.
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1. A system, comprising: a motor controller adapted to be coupled to a motor, wherein the motor controller includes a current sense circuit configured to: receive a first phase current sense measurement on a first measurement path; receive the first phase current sense measurement on a second measurement path; receive a second phase current measurement on the first measurement path; receive the second phase current on the second measurement path; average the first phase current sense measurement on the first measurement path with the first phase current sense measurement on the second path; and average the second phase current sense measurement on the first measurement path with the second phase current sense measurement on the second path.
The system relates to motor control, specifically improving current sensing accuracy in motor controllers. The problem addressed is the potential for measurement errors in motor phase currents due to noise, offsets, or component mismatches in single-path sensing circuits. Traditional motor controllers may suffer from inaccurate current readings, leading to poor motor performance or control instability. The system includes a motor controller coupled to a motor, featuring a current sense circuit with redundant measurement paths. The circuit receives current sense measurements for two motor phases, each measured on two separate paths. For each phase, the measurements from the first and second paths are averaged to produce a more accurate current value. This dual-path averaging reduces noise and compensates for offsets or mismatches in individual measurement paths, improving overall current sensing reliability. The system ensures precise motor control by mitigating errors in current feedback, enhancing motor efficiency and stability. The redundant paths and averaging technique provide a robust solution for high-precision motor applications.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the current sense circuit comprises: a first multiplexer with a first input and a second input; a second multiplexer with a first input coupled to the second input of the first multiplexer and a second input coupled to the first input of the first multiplexer; and wherein the first measurement path is through the first multiplexer and the second measurement path is through the second multiplexer.
A system for current sensing in electronic circuits addresses the challenge of accurately measuring current in multiple paths while minimizing component count and complexity. The system includes a current sense circuit designed to selectively measure current through two distinct measurement paths. The circuit employs a first multiplexer with two inputs and a second multiplexer. The first multiplexer's first input is connected to a first current path, while its second input is connected to a second current path. The second multiplexer's first input is coupled to the second input of the first multiplexer, and its second input is coupled to the first input of the first multiplexer. This configuration allows the system to route current measurements through either the first multiplexer (forming the first measurement path) or the second multiplexer (forming the second measurement path), enabling flexible and efficient current monitoring in electronic devices. The design ensures accurate current detection while reducing the need for additional components, improving reliability and reducing cost.
3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the current sense circuit comprises: a first current sense amplifier coupled to an output of the first multiplexer; and a second current sense amplifier coupled to an output of the second multiplexer.
A system for monitoring electrical currents in a circuit includes a current sense circuit with two current sense amplifiers. The first current sense amplifier is connected to the output of a first multiplexer, which selectively routes signals from multiple input channels to the amplifier. The second current sense amplifier is similarly connected to the output of a second multiplexer, allowing independent current sensing from different input channels. This dual-amplifier configuration enables simultaneous or sequential measurement of currents from multiple sources, improving accuracy and flexibility in monitoring complex electrical systems. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently measuring currents in circuits with multiple input paths, where traditional single-amplifier designs may introduce delays or inaccuracies due to shared resources. By using separate amplifiers for each multiplexer output, the system ensures precise and independent current sensing, reducing interference and improving overall performance. The design is particularly useful in applications requiring high-resolution current monitoring, such as power management, fault detection, or signal conditioning in electronic devices.
4. The system of claim 2 , wherein the current sense circuit further comprises a controller coupled to the first multiplexer and the second multiplexer, and wherein the controller is configured to control the first multiplexer to alternate between passing the first phase current sense measurement and the second phase current sense measurement, and wherein the controller is configured to control the second multiplexer to alternate between passing the second phase current sense measurement and the first phase current sense measurement.
This invention relates to a current sense circuit for measuring electrical currents in a multi-phase system, such as a motor drive or power converter. The problem addressed is the need for accurate and efficient current sensing in systems where multiple phases must be monitored simultaneously. Traditional methods often require multiple dedicated sense circuits, increasing complexity and cost. The system includes a current sense circuit with two multiplexers and a controller. The first multiplexer selectively passes current sense measurements from a first phase or a second phase, while the second multiplexer passes measurements from the second phase or the first phase. The controller dynamically controls both multiplexers to alternate the routing of these measurements, ensuring that the current sense circuit can monitor both phases without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each. This reduces hardware complexity and cost while maintaining accurate current monitoring. The controller coordinates the multiplexers to avoid conflicts, ensuring that the measurements are correctly routed and processed. The system may be part of a larger power conversion or motor control system, where precise current sensing is critical for performance and efficiency. By using multiplexers to share sensing resources, the design minimizes redundant components while maintaining high measurement accuracy. This approach is particularly useful in applications where space and cost constraints are significant.
5. The system of claim 3 , further comprising: a first analog-to-digital converter (ADC) channel coupled to an output of the first current sense amplifier, wherein the first ADC channel is configured to output digital samples of the first and second phase current sense measurements from the first measurement path; and a second ADC channel coupled to an output of the second current sense amplifier, wherein the second ADC channel is configured to output digital samples of the first and second phase current sense measurements from the second measurement path.
The invention relates to a system for measuring phase currents in a power conversion circuit, addressing the need for accurate and synchronized current sensing in multi-phase systems. The system includes a first current sense amplifier and a second current sense amplifier, each configured to amplify current sense measurements from a first phase and a second phase of the power conversion circuit. The first current sense amplifier is coupled to a first measurement path, while the second current sense amplifier is coupled to a second measurement path. The system further includes a first analog-to-digital converter (ADC) channel coupled to the output of the first current sense amplifier, which converts the amplified current sense measurements from the first measurement path into digital samples. Similarly, a second ADC channel is coupled to the output of the second current sense amplifier, converting the amplified current sense measurements from the second measurement path into digital samples. The digital samples from both ADC channels represent the current sense measurements for both the first and second phases, enabling precise monitoring and control of the power conversion circuit. This configuration ensures synchronized and accurate digital representation of phase currents, which is critical for applications such as motor control, power management, and fault detection in power electronics.
6. The system of claim 5 , further comprising a processor coupled to an output of the first ADC channel and to an output of the second ADC channel, wherein the processor is configured to determine a rotor position based on the digital samples of the first phase current sense measurements from the first and second measurement paths and based on the digital samples of the second phase current sense measurements from the first and second measurement paths.
This invention relates to a system for determining rotor position in an electric motor, addressing the challenge of accurately measuring phase currents to enable precise rotor position estimation. The system includes a first analog-to-digital converter (ADC) channel and a second ADC channel, each configured to receive current sense measurements from two measurement paths. The first ADC channel processes first phase current sense measurements from both paths, while the second ADC channel processes second phase current sense measurements from both paths. A processor is coupled to the outputs of both ADC channels and is configured to analyze the digital samples of these measurements. By evaluating the digital samples from both phase currents across the two measurement paths, the processor determines the rotor position. This approach enhances accuracy by leveraging redundant measurements and digital signal processing to mitigate noise and improve position estimation reliability. The system is particularly useful in motor control applications where precise rotor position feedback is critical for efficient and stable operation.
7. The system of claim 5 , wherein the motor controller comprises a processor configured to determine control signals for the motor based on a sensorless field oriented control (FOC) algorithm that uses an averaged set of consecutive digital samples of the first phase current sense measurement and an averaged set of consecutive second phase current sense measurements values.
A motor control system for electric machines, particularly for sensorless field-oriented control (FOC) applications, addresses the challenge of accurately controlling motor operation without physical sensors. The system includes a motor controller with a processor that generates control signals for the motor using a sensorless FOC algorithm. This algorithm processes averaged sets of consecutive digital samples from two phase current measurements—first and second phase currents—to estimate motor parameters and generate precise control signals. The averaging of consecutive samples reduces noise and improves the accuracy of the FOC algorithm, enabling reliable motor operation without mechanical sensors. The motor controller may also include additional components, such as a power converter, to drive the motor based on the computed control signals. This approach enhances efficiency, reduces cost, and simplifies system design by eliminating the need for physical sensors while maintaining accurate motor performance. The system is particularly useful in applications where sensorless control is preferred, such as industrial automation, robotics, and electric vehicles.
8. The system of claim 6 , wherein the processor is configured to average consecutive digital samples of the first phase current sense measurement and to average consecutive digital samples of the second phase current sense measurement.
This invention relates to a system for processing phase current measurements in an electrical system, particularly for improving signal accuracy by averaging digital samples. The system addresses the problem of noise and variability in current measurements, which can lead to inaccuracies in monitoring or controlling electrical systems. The system includes a processor configured to receive and process digital samples of current sense measurements from at least two phases of an electrical system. The processor is specifically designed to average consecutive digital samples of the first phase current sense measurement and to average consecutive digital samples of the second phase current sense measurement. This averaging process reduces noise and improves the reliability of the measured current values. The system may also include additional components, such as sensors or analog-to-digital converters, to capture and digitize the current measurements before they are processed by the processor. The averaging technique helps mitigate the effects of transient noise and ensures more stable and accurate current readings, which are critical for applications like power distribution, motor control, and fault detection. The system is particularly useful in environments where precise current monitoring is essential for safety and efficiency.
9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the motor and the motor controller are components of a fan.
A system for controlling a fan includes a motor and a motor controller. The motor is configured to drive the fan, and the motor controller regulates the motor's operation. The motor controller adjusts the motor's speed based on input signals, such as temperature or user commands, to optimize fan performance. The system may also include sensors to monitor environmental conditions, ensuring efficient cooling or airflow. The motor controller can implement various control algorithms, such as proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control, to maintain desired operational parameters. The fan system is designed to enhance energy efficiency, reduce noise, and improve reliability in applications like HVAC, electronics cooling, or industrial ventilation. The motor and motor controller are integrated into the fan, allowing for compact and streamlined operation. Additional features may include fault detection, overcurrent protection, and adaptive speed adjustments to respond to changing conditions. The system ensures precise control over fan operation while minimizing power consumption and mechanical wear.
10. An integrated circuit (IC), comprising: a current sense circuit coupled to a processor, wherein the current sense circuit comprises: a first phase current sense circuit; a second phase current sense circuit; a first multiplexer with inputs coupled to the first and second phase current sense circuits; a second multiplexer with inputs coupled to the first and second phase current sense circuits; a first current sense amplifier coupled to an output of the first multiplexer; and a second current sense amplifier coupled to an output of the second multiplexer.
The invention relates to integrated circuits (ICs) designed for current sensing in multi-phase power delivery systems, particularly for processors. The problem addressed is the need for accurate and efficient current monitoring in multi-phase voltage regulator modules (VRMs) to ensure stable power delivery and thermal management. Traditional current sensing methods often lack precision or require complex circuitry, leading to inefficiencies. The IC includes a current sense circuit coupled to a processor, featuring two phase current sense circuits for monitoring individual power phases. A first multiplexer selectively routes signals from these phase circuits to a first current sense amplifier, while a second multiplexer routes signals to a second current sense amplifier. This dual-multiplexer design allows flexible and independent amplification of current sense signals from different phases, enabling precise current monitoring. The amplifiers process the selected signals to provide accurate current measurements, which can be used for power management, fault detection, or dynamic voltage scaling. The architecture supports efficient current sensing with reduced hardware complexity, improving overall system reliability and performance.
11. The IC of claim 10 , further comprising: a first analog-to-digital converter (ADC) channel coupled to an output of the first current sense amplifier; and a second ADC channel coupled to an output of the second current sense amplifier.
This invention relates to integrated circuits (ICs) designed for monitoring and digitizing current signals in electronic systems. The problem addressed is the need for accurate, low-power current sensing and digitization in applications such as power management, battery monitoring, or sensor interfacing, where precise current measurement is critical but traditional methods may introduce noise or inefficiency. The IC includes a first current sense amplifier and a second current sense amplifier, each configured to amplify small current signals from respective sources. The amplified signals are then converted into digital form using dedicated analog-to-digital converter (ADC) channels. The first ADC channel is coupled to the output of the first current sense amplifier, while the second ADC channel is coupled to the output of the second current sense amplifier. This dual-channel design allows for simultaneous, independent digitization of two current signals, improving measurement accuracy and reducing latency. The IC may also include additional components, such as reference voltage generators or calibration circuits, to enhance performance and reliability. The overall system enables precise, real-time current monitoring in compact, low-power IC designs, suitable for embedded and portable applications.
12. The IC of claim 11 , further comprising a processor coupled to an output of the first ADC channel and to an output of the second ADC channel, wherein the processor is configured to average a set of digital and consecutive first phase current sense measurement values and to average a set of digital and consecutive second phase current sense measurement values provided by the first and second ADC channels.
This invention relates to integrated circuits (ICs) for measuring current in multi-phase power systems, addressing the need for accurate and reliable current sensing in applications such as motor control, power conversion, and industrial automation. The IC includes a first analog-to-digital converter (ADC) channel for converting first-phase current sense signals into digital values and a second ADC channel for converting second-phase current sense signals into digital values. A processor is coupled to the outputs of both ADC channels and is configured to average sets of consecutive digital current sense measurements from each phase. By averaging multiple measurements, the processor reduces noise and improves the accuracy of the current readings. The IC may also include additional features such as calibration circuits, offset correction, and gain adjustment to further enhance measurement precision. The invention is particularly useful in systems requiring high-resolution current monitoring, such as variable frequency drives, battery management systems, and renewable energy inverters. The averaging process helps mitigate transient noise and ensures stable current readings, which are critical for efficient power management and fault detection.
13. The IC of claim 12 , wherein the processor is further configured to determine a rotor position based on the averaged digital first phase current sense measurement values and the averaged digital second phase current sense measurement values.
This invention relates to integrated circuits (ICs) for motor control systems, specifically addressing the challenge of accurately determining rotor position in sensorless motor control applications. The IC includes a processor configured to process current sense measurements from at least two phases of a motor to estimate rotor position without requiring physical sensors. The processor receives digital first and second phase current sense measurement values, averages these values over time, and uses the averaged values to calculate the rotor position. This approach improves accuracy by reducing noise and transient effects in the current measurements, enabling precise rotor position estimation for efficient motor control. The IC may also include analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) to convert raw current sense signals into digital values before processing. The system is designed for use in motor control applications where cost, reliability, and performance are critical, such as in industrial automation, robotics, and electric vehicles. By leveraging digital signal processing techniques, the invention provides a robust solution for sensorless motor control, enhancing system reliability and reducing hardware complexity.
14. The IC of claim 10 , wherein the current sense circuit further comprises a controller coupled to the first multiplexer and the second multiplexer, and wherein the controller is configured to control the first multiplexer to alternate between passing a first phase current sense measurement voltage from the first phase current sense circuit and a second phase current sense measurement voltage from the second phase current sense circuit the second phase current sense measurement voltage, and wherein the controller is configured to control the second multiplexer to alternate between passing the second phase current sense voltage and the first phase current sense voltage.
This invention relates to integrated circuits (ICs) for current sensing in multi-phase power systems, particularly addressing the challenge of accurately measuring phase currents in systems with multiple power phases. The IC includes a current sense circuit with two multiplexers and a controller. The first multiplexer selectively passes a current sense measurement voltage from either a first phase current sense circuit or a second phase current sense circuit. The second multiplexer similarly passes the current sense voltage from either the second phase or the first phase. The controller dynamically controls both multiplexers to alternate the routing of these voltages, ensuring that the first multiplexer passes the first phase voltage while the second passes the second phase voltage, and vice versa. This alternating scheme allows for time-division multiplexing of the current sense measurements, enabling efficient and accurate monitoring of multiple phase currents using shared circuitry. The design reduces hardware complexity by reusing components for different phases while maintaining precise current sensing capabilities. The controller's coordination ensures that the measurements are synchronized and processed without interference, improving reliability in multi-phase power applications.
15. A motor control method, comprising: obtaining first phase current sense measurements using alternating measurement paths by averaging a set of digital and consecutive first phase current sense measurements obtained using the alternating measurement paths; obtaining second phase current sense measurements using alternating measurement paths by averaging a set of digital and consecutive second phase current sense measurements obtained using the alternating measurement paths; and determining control signals for a motor based on the obtained first phase current sense measurements and the obtained second phase current sense measurements.
This invention relates to motor control systems, specifically addressing the challenge of accurately measuring phase currents in motor drives to improve control performance. The method involves obtaining precise current sense measurements for at least two phases of a motor by alternating between different measurement paths. For each phase, a set of digital and consecutive current sense measurements is acquired using these alternating paths. The measurements are then averaged to reduce noise and enhance accuracy. The averaged first and second phase current sense measurements are used to determine control signals for the motor, ensuring stable and efficient operation. The alternating measurement paths help mitigate errors caused by offsets or drifts in individual sensing circuits, improving the reliability of the current readings. This approach is particularly useful in motor control applications where accurate current sensing is critical for maintaining performance and efficiency. The method ensures that the control signals are based on high-fidelity current measurements, leading to better motor control and reduced risk of faults.
16. The motor control method of claim 15 , wherein obtaining the first phase current sense measurements using alternating measurement paths and obtaining the second phase current sense measurements using alternating measurement paths comprises adjusting control signals for a first multiplexer and a second multiplexer.
This invention relates to motor control systems, specifically methods for measuring phase currents in a motor using multiplexed measurement paths. The problem addressed is the need for accurate and efficient current sensing in motor control applications, particularly where multiple phases must be monitored with minimal hardware complexity. The method involves obtaining first and second phase current sense measurements by alternating between different measurement paths. This is achieved by adjusting control signals for a first multiplexer and a second multiplexer, which selectively route current signals from different phases of the motor to a sensing circuit. The multiplexers allow the system to share sensing resources across multiple phases, reducing the number of dedicated sensors required. The alternating measurement paths ensure that each phase is monitored at regular intervals, providing continuous feedback for motor control. The invention improves upon prior art by optimizing the use of sensing hardware, reducing cost and complexity while maintaining accurate current monitoring. The multiplexed approach allows for flexible and scalable current sensing, adaptable to motors with varying numbers of phases. The method is particularly useful in applications where precise current control is critical, such as in electric vehicles or industrial automation.
17. The motor control method of claim 16 , wherein obtaining the first phase current sense measurements using alternating measurement paths and obtaining the second phase current sense measurements using alternating measurement paths comprises amplifying outputs of the first and second multiplexers.
This invention relates to motor control systems, specifically methods for measuring phase currents in a motor using alternating measurement paths to improve accuracy and reduce noise. The problem addressed is the challenge of obtaining precise current measurements in motor control applications, where traditional sensing methods may suffer from inaccuracies due to noise, offset errors, or component mismatches. The method involves using two multiplexers to alternately route current sense measurements from different phases of the motor. The first multiplexer selects between two phase current sense inputs, while the second multiplexer similarly selects between another set of phase current sense inputs. The outputs of these multiplexers are then amplified to produce the first and second phase current sense measurements. By alternating the measurement paths, the system can mitigate errors caused by fixed offsets or mismatches in the sensing circuitry, leading to more accurate current readings. The alternating measurement paths ensure that each phase current is measured through different signal paths at different times, reducing the impact of systematic errors. This approach is particularly useful in motor control applications where precise current sensing is critical for efficient and stable operation. The amplified outputs provide a stronger signal for further processing, improving the signal-to-noise ratio and overall measurement reliability. The method can be applied in various motor control systems, including those used in industrial machinery, electric vehicles, and robotics.
18. The motor control method of claim 16 , wherein obtaining the first phase current sense measurements using alternating measurement paths and obtaining the second phase current sense measurements using alternating measurement paths comprises digitizing outputs of the first and second multiplexers.
The invention relates to motor control systems, specifically methods for accurately measuring phase currents in a motor to improve control and efficiency. The problem addressed is the need for precise current sensing in motor drives, particularly in systems where multiple phases must be monitored to ensure proper operation and fault detection. Traditional methods may suffer from inaccuracies due to noise, interference, or limitations in measurement hardware. The method involves obtaining current sense measurements for at least two phases of a motor using alternating measurement paths. For each phase, a multiplexer selects between different current sense inputs, allowing the system to sample multiple current paths in sequence. The outputs of these multiplexers are then digitized to convert the analog current measurements into digital signals for processing. This alternating measurement approach helps reduce errors and improve the accuracy of the current readings. The digitized outputs are used to generate control signals for the motor, ensuring stable and efficient operation. The method may also include additional steps such as filtering or compensating the measurements to further enhance accuracy. By using multiplexers and digitizing the outputs, the system can efficiently monitor multiple phases while maintaining high precision in current sensing. This approach is particularly useful in motor control applications where reliable current feedback is critical for performance and safety.
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April 15, 2020
March 22, 2022
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